Current Affairs - International

The Gaia mission, which mapped 2 billion stars, was conducted by the European Space Agency (ESA). The mission concluded on January 15, 2025, after 12 years of operation due to the depletion of its cold gas propellant. Gaia provided the most detailed 3D map of the Milky Way, uncovering insights into galactic collisions, star clusters, and black holes. Launched in December 2013, Gaia operated around the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrange point, approximately 1.5 million kilometres from Earth, offering an unparalleled view of our galaxy.

India’s recent formalization of its membership in the Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN), an initiative led by the United States to secure supply chains for critical minerals. This move highlights India’s strategic alignment with global efforts to enhance the stability and security of mineral resources essential for economic and technological development. The MSFN, building on the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) initiated in 2022, aims to mitigate supply chain risks associated with critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, which are vital for clean energy technologies and digital infrastructure.

India launched ‘Operation Brahma’ as an emergency relief mission to provide humanitarian assistance to Myanmar following the devastating earthquake on March 29, 2025. This mission included disaster relief, search and rescue operations, and medical support. India quickly mobilized resources, with Indian Air Force aircraft carrying essential supplies and setting up a field hospital in the affected regions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s direct communication with Myanmar’s leadership underscored India’s commitment to being a first responder in times of crisis, reflecting strong bilateral ties and regional solidarity.

India’s proactive role in proposing regulations on fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO). This initiative has garnered support from several developing nations and least developed countries (LDCs), as it aims to address issues like overcapacity and overfishing. The focus is on promoting sustainable fishing practices through the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA), with special considerations for developing nations and LDCs under transitional provisions. This reflects India’s commitment to responsible global fishing practices and ecological sustainability.

India will host the 81st International Air Transport Association (IATA) Annual General Meeting and World Air Transport Summit in June 2025. This event underscores India’s dynamic growth in the aviation sector, with projections to become the third-largest aviation market globally within this decade. India’s aviation industry is a significant contributor to employment and GDP, with an expanding network of airports and increasing passenger traffic. Hosting the IATA summit reflects India’s growing prominence in global aviation, showcasing its infrastructure developments and strategic importance in the international air transport industry.